Naturally, in a nation that has left its mark on the international music scene with its own reggae style, music is an important part of the nightlife of Jamaica. There are numerous music clubs, nightclubs, bars and restaurants that feature live music of all sorts, including island favorites – reggae, ska, calypso, and soca.

Alfred’s Ocean Palace, located in Negril, is regularly features live music, with reggae bands three times per week and attracts both local and international performers. Situated on a beautiful seven-mile long white sand beach, the atmosphere is a delight, complemented by the fine food served at the restaurant and the eclectic blend of people in the bar. Guest rooms are also available on site.

Also located in Negril, Risky Business is a favorite among the college set, attracting spring breakers from all over. It features live music nightly, with some of the best reggae musicians in the area taking the stage. Rick’s Café, internationally acclaimed party spot, is known for nightly reggae, a fabulous view of the sunset, and cliff diving for the more adventurous of their clientele.

In Port Antonio, the Blue Lagoon Restaurant features live jazz on Saturday nights. At the Little Pub, in Ocho Rios, visitors can enjoy a variety of Caribbean

flavored performances throughout the week. Ocho Rios is also home to BiBiBips, which features live reggae and sometimes rap performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Dance clubs are numerous on the island. Jamaica, drawing tourists from all over the world, has a variety of dance club scenes, some having that Jamaican flavor, others being more American in flavor and still others having a decidedly high tech, international tone.

In Ocho Rios, Amnesia, at 70 Main Street, is a dance club with more of a Jamaican feel to it, and does attract a local crowd. In contrast, Jamaica’N Me Crazy, also on Main Street, uses high tech sound and light systems to create a definitely international type of club scene. Usually crowded, it tends to attract more tourists than locals.

Mingles, in Kingston, is known as one of the safest nightspots in Jamaica. It attracts a young and local crowd, and features primarily reggae and soca.

Hedonism II, found in Negril, is counted among the wildest, attracting a rather uninhibited crowd of tourists who are definitely there to party.

Jamaica certainly offers a wide variety of nightlife options and adventures. Be sure to use common sense and good manners to keep your nightlife experiences pleasurable, memorable and safe. With that in mind, you’ll truly enjoy the best of the Jamaican nightlife scene.

About The Author

A patriotic Jamaican who adores his culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' - since April 2007.

To date, he serves over 8,300 unique readers / viewers per day.

His efforts have earned him featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities.